AFTER starting the season with a victory at Wavertree in the Ray Digman Trophy last week, Formby Cricket Club suffered a shock defeat at home to Prestatyn last Saturday.

On winning the toss, Formby decided to field first, but came across Prestatyn opener Gareth Boughey in top form.

His innings of 108 laid the foundations for a total of 259 for 7 from the 45 overs allotted and also included a very useful 47 from Rhys Jones.

The Formby fielding was not up to its usual standard, but the bowlers tried hard to keep the runs in check.

Jan Gadzina, with 3 for 41 and Mark Moore (2 for 34) returned the side’s best figures.

Facing such a high total, Formby needed a good start if they were to have any hopes of winning, but lost early wickets.

At 55 for 6, the task ahead looked impossible and the innings closed on a disappointing 104 all out.

Kris Jones hit 31 in his usual style, but the only other players to make double figures were Mike Simpson (13) and James Beckingham (11).

To have any hope of qualifying for the knockout stages, Formby will need a good win this Saturday at home to Colwyn Bay.

FORMBY’S second XI made the journey to Prestatyn with a fairly young and inexperienced team.

However, a good all-round effort by stand-in captain Andrew Kenyon – who top-scored with 34 out of Formby's total of 138 and later took 4 for 37 in limiting the home side to 121 for 8 – helped ensure an excellent win by 17 runs.

If they manage to beat Colwyn Bay this Saturday, Formby will progress to the knockout stages of the Chester Cup.

IT was a frustrating weekend for the third and fourth teams.

On Wednesday, Highfield postponed Sunday's third team match as their ground was double-booked and on Sunday morning, less than two hours before the scheduled start, Alder conceded their match at Formby, quoting a lack of transport.

THIS week, as mentioned above, the first and second teams play Colwyn Bay, the fourths visit Birkenhead St Mary’s on Sunday.

The first XI are at home on Sunday in the first round of the National Knockout.

The third team’s game with St Helens Town will be played later in the season.